Lake Effect

The northwest shores of Ohio and the Lake Erie Islands deliver the ultimate in high-energy fun and laid-back entertainment. Plummet from a summit higher than the Statue of Liberty at Cedar Point on the mainland, then chill out with a nice-and-easy stroll

Where To Go

Put-in-Bay Who would have thought a two-by-four-mile island surrounded by a lake could provide an endless sea of fun and enjoyment? Shopping, fishing, dining, boating, a sizzling nightlife and, oh yeah, the nation’s third-tallest monument help Put-in-Bay on Lake Erie’s South Bass Island live up to its nickname — the Key West of the north. Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce, 148 Delaware Ave., Put-in-Bay, 419/285-2832. www.put-in-bay.com

Kelleys Island

Outdoor lovers with a taste for history will enjoy all that the largest freshwater island in Lake Erie has to offer. The native limestone bedrock of the Glacial Grooves State Memorial will take you back 30,000 years, while waterfowl and hiking trails will bring you up close and personal with the island’s wildest inhabitants. The entire island is on the National Register of Historic Places, so there is plenty to explore. Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce, Division Street, Kelleys Island, 419/746-2360. www.kelleysislandchamber.com

Middle Bass Island

First formed during the glacial period when mammoth ice sheets entered the area, Middle Bass Island now houses one of Ohio’s newest state parks. Camping, boating, shopping and relaxing will keep you busy here, but if you need more, there’s also a nightlife scene.www.middlebass.org

Lakeside

Defined as a modern-day Chautauqua (one of a few still operating in the U.S.), Lakeside is a church-affiliated vacation resort on the shores of Lake Erie. The quaint Victorian village with approximately 800 cottages is a gated community from June through Labor Day, offering a wealth of educational opportunities as well as plenty of ways to have fun and be inspired. Lakeside is located on the Marblehead Penin-sula, between Toledo and Cleveland. www.lakesideohio.com

Marblehead Lighthouse State Park

It took the light of 13 whale oil lamps to keep the boats passing through Sandusky Bay on course when the Marblehead Lighthouse went into operation in 1822. Today, the technology has changed, but the history of the Great Lakes’ oldest continuously operating lighthouse lives on. A guided tour lets you climb the spiral staircase to the top of the 50-foot structure. And bring your lunch, since the park’s lakeside grounds make the perfect picnic spot. The lighthouse is open June through October. 110 Lighthouse Dr., Marblehead, 419/734-4424. www.dnr.state.oh.us/tabid/763/default.aspx

Things to Do

African Safari Wildlife ParkCome walk (or drive, for a safari-like experience) with the animals at this 100-plus-acre preserve dedicated to the conservation of rare, exotic and endangered species. Much of the park’s research efforts focuses on the alpaca, white zebra, giraffe and the (very rare) Giant Eland, but you’ll see more than 50 different types of creatures on your visit. 267 Lightner Rd., Port Clinton, 800/521-2660. www.africansafariwildlifepark.com

Cedar Point

For thrill-seekers of all ages, Sandusky’s Cedar Point is the perfect day-trip destination. The 364-acre amusement park/resort (home to 75 rides and 17 roller coasters) celebrates its 139th summer of business this year with the debut of Planet Snoopy™, the park’s newest children’s area. And for the more adventurous, the Skyscraper — a towering ride that spins guests in a full circle — opens this summer as well. 1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, 419/627-2350. www.cedarpoint.com

Ghostly Manor Thrill Center

If the summer heat has you panting, get chilled to the bone at Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, which features a haunted house that’s definitely not for the scream-ish. In addition to the terrifying trek through an old mansion, Ghostly Manor offers three other attractions: The XD 3-D theater (Ohio’s first and only) is a thrilling motion-simulated ride; Skateworld offers plenty of fun on wheels; and Ghostly Gifts has enough scary souvenirs to fill a crypt. 3319 Milan Rd. (U.S. Rte. 250), Sandusky, 419/626-4467. www.ghostlymanor.com

Fishing Charters

Fishing fanatics and weekend anglers have raved for years about the supreme fishing in the South Bass Island area of Lake Erie, so what are you waiting for? Fishing can be done year-round, and expert guides are available to ensure that casting your line is a fan-cast-ic time. Two to try are Chrysler Marine, Put-in-Bay, 419/285-4631, www. captainpatchrysler.com, and Hard Water Charters, Put-in-Bay, 419/285-3106. www.hardwatercharters.com

Winery Escapes

Firelands Winery

Italy native Claudio Salvador oversees the making of Firelands’ award-winning pinot grigios, as well as its non-Italian varietals like riesling, cabernet sauvignon and Vidal— the grape used in the winery’s intensely sweet and delicious ice wine. Step up to the tasting bar to pick your favorite bottle, or call ahead to add a tour of the winery to your visit. 917 Bardshar Rd., Sandusky, 419/625-5474. www.firelandswinery.com

Heineman’s Winery

Another one of the Ohio wine industry’s founding vintners, Heineman’s has been making trips to Put-in-Bay merrier for more than a century with its estate-grown wines. Test drive a glass of Heineman’s sparkling wine, then check out some natural sparklers with a tour of Crystal Cave. Discovered by workers while digging a well for the winery, the cave is the world’s’ largest geode. 978 Catawba Avenue Put-In-Bay,419/285-2811. www.heinemanswinery.com

Hermes Vineyards

Looking for high-quality Ohio wines without a big party scene? Hermes’ tasting room is a thoughtfully restored 200-year-old pioneer barn, situated on a 300-acre farm that’s on the main drag (no getting lost on the back roads). Look for live music on the weekends, and the winery’s daily selection of artisanal breads, imported cheeses and tapenades that puts your standard cheddar and crackers to shame. 6413 Hayes Ave. (St. Rte. 4), Sandusky, 419/626-8500. www.hermesvineyards.com

Mon Ami Restaurant & Historic Winery Ohio’s winemaking roots run deep — all the way back to the early 1800s. Mon Ami was one of the first on the scene. In continuous operation since 1870, its wine list is an accommodating mix of sophisticated varieties such as pinot grigio, riesling and cabernet sauvignon, and native grapes including Niagra and Pink Catawba. (P.S..: The winery’s full-service restaurant hops with live entertainment year round). 3845 East Wine Cellar Rd., Port Clinton, 419/797-4445. www.monamiwinery.com